certain
Usage
What are other ways to say certain?
Certain, one of a handful of adjectives indicating full belief and trust that something is true, suggests that there are definite reasons that have freed one from doubt. Confident emphasizes the strength of the belief or the certainty of expectation felt. Positive implies emphatic certainty, which may even become overconfidence or dogmatism. Sure, the simplest and most general term, expresses mere absence of doubt.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But the AI boom has made their old advice of picking a safe major and pursuing a stable career feel a lot less certain.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
He added that "comments made by certain Senegalese football officials are damaging relations" between the two countries, referring to allegations that Morocco controls CAF.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
You might be in the habit of keeping a certain amount of cash on hand for emergencies, but how much interest are you earning on that money?
From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026
But the pair of young couples are treating this practical business transaction between customer and caterer as their double date, lingering too long and asking for more wine, joking that they’re not quite certain yet.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
Her chin was firm, but her eyes were far from certain.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
